Frank Sinatra biography, age and cause of death, personal life, children, height

Biography of Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra was an outstanding American singer, a man of his era, whose name is etched in golden letters in the history of world music. He was called "the greatest voice of the 20th century" and was honored three times on the famous Walk of Fame—as a singer, film actor, and showman. Sinatra had an extraordinary sexual allure and was considered one of the most famous playboys among American showbiz stars.

Childhood and Family

The future singer was born into a family of Italian immigrants who came to America in the early 20th century. His mother, Natalina Maria Vittoria (Dolly) Garaventa, hailed from the village of Lumarzo near Genoa, and his father, Antonio Martino Sinatra, was a native of the town of Lercara Friddi, nestled in the mountains of northwestern Sicily. Lucky Luciano, the famous Italian mobster who also moved to America in the early 1900s, was from the same area. Frank tried his whole life to hide this information and categorically denied any personal acquaintance with the godfather of the American mafia. But the fact remains, and it is confirmed by records in church books.

After crossing the ocean, Sinatra's parents settled in the small port town of Hoboken, New Jersey. At that time, Italian and Irish immigrants fought for the right to control the loading docks and often engaged in fierce battles to secure their place in the sun. The town was divided into two parts, each with its own gangs.

Frank's father was not a timid man and quickly adapted to such harsh conditions. Initially, he worked at the port, then tried to earn money through illegal boxing matches, but after a wrist injury, he had to leave the sport. With the help of his wife, an active and influential woman, Martin got a job at the fire department and even became a captain without passing any exams.

Frank's mother worked as a nurse midwife and was a respected person in the city. She provided illegal abortion services to local women and had many acquaintances in various circles. During Prohibition, she and her husband opened a tavern where they offered patrons bootleg alcohol and cigarettes. At the same time, Dolly had significant influence in the local Democratic Party circles and held a rather high position for a female immigrant.

She simply didn't have time to raise her son. His father was also constantly busy, so the boy was under the care of his grandparents. They doted on their only grandchild, who nearly died during birth. The child was very large (about six kilograms). To help him be born, doctors had to use special forceps. Frank was left with noticeable scars on his cheek and neck for life, and his eardrum was damaged, causing him to have poor hearing in his left ear.

But this did not stop the boy from becoming seriously interested in music at an early age. At thirteen, his parents bought him a ukulele, and young Frank began performing first in their family tavern and then in other venues in Hoboken. Despite having no formal musical education and problems with his eardrum, he learned melodies by ear, intuitively. The self-taught boy adopted his vocal style and manner of performance from his idol Bing Crosby.

Frank Sinatra copied Bing Crosby's style

At sixteen, Sinatra was expelled from school for poor performance and bad behavior, but he wasn't too upset. By that time, he had already organized a quartet with his friends called "The Hoboken Four," which in 1935 became a winner of a talent competition on the popular radio show "Major Bowes' Amateur Hour." This allowed the young musicians to embark on their first small tour, traveling from city to city, performing in bars and taverns. Their voices were heard on the radio, but deep down, Frank dreamed of a solo career, so he soon parted ways with the group.

Career Path

All the most popular stage venues were concentrated in Manhattan, and Lucky Luciano, a fellow countryman of Sinatra who became the godfather of the American Mafia, controlled them. Frank's mother helped him connect with people from Lucky's circle, and the young man was arranged an audition. Mobsters eagerly used young talents like stocks that could increase in value. Therefore, they took a liking to young Sinatra and decided to promote him.

All details of this deal were kept deeply secret, and Frank was sworn to never reveal the names of his powerful patrons. The young man wanted to get everything out of life, so he agreed to any conditions. Therefore, many years later, when director Francis Ford Coppola, in the film "The Godfather," openly hinted at Sinatra's connection with the Mafia (Johnny Fontane was clearly based on Frank), the singer intended to sue the studio and threatened to beat up Mario Puzo, the author of the novel that formed the basis of the screenplay.

At that moment, Sinatra's career was taking off rapidly. The well-known musician and producer Harry James took him into his orchestra, with which the young man embarked on his first major tour across the country. Then, he worked for a while in Tommy Dorsey's jazz band as a soloist and quickly became a national star. Our hero's name adorned posters of prestigious clubs and concert halls, with crowds of frenzied fans, enchanted by his boundless charm, waiting outside.

Performances with Benny Goodman's orchestra further increased the artist's popularity, and by 1942, Sinatra was already giving solo concerts in Times Square. After a spectacular Christmas performance at the Paramount Theatre in New York, Frank became the idol of millions, the "golden voice" of the American stage.

Hollywood became interested in Sinatra, and by the end of the war, his filmography had grown to include a dozen movies. In 1946, his first album "The Voice of Frank Sinatra" was released, followed by another two years later, "Christmas Songs By Sinatra," featuring famous Christmas songs that entered the Golden Collection of world music.

Frank Sinatra in 'Reveille with Beverly' (1943)

At the peak of his career, Sinatra experienced a creative crisis caused by complicated personal relationships with Hollywood beauty Ava Gardner. Frank began drinking heavily, canceling contracts, and ended up in a prolonged depression, which nearly led him to suicide.

His wife filed for divorce, and on top of that, Frank lost his voice and could no longer perform on stage. He started to be forgotten, and Frank realized that his life was going downhill. He once again sought help from influential patrons, who also had no interest in such an inglorious collapse of his successful career.

The Mafia's representative in Hollywood was Johnny Roselli. Thanks to his intervention, Sinatra received a role in the film "From Here to Eternity" (1953), which restored his fame and popularity. Frank worked hard, understanding that this was his only chance, and he succeeded brilliantly. For the role of Private Angelo Maggio, he received an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

Frank Sinatra Wins Supporting Actor: 1954 Oscars

His vocal problems also turned out to be temporary, and he resumed his concert activities. His new albums were released one after another, consistently topping the American charts. His career as a television and radio host also flourished – Sinatra's entertainment shows attracted large audiences and were a huge hit with the public.

Frank Sinatra – That's Life

In the late 1950s, the singer began performing with such stars as Sammy Davis, Dean Martin, Joe Bishop, and Peter Lawford, and collaborated with big bands like Count Basie, Quincy Jones, Billy May, and Nelson Riddle.

In Las Vegas, he had a stake in several casinos and was considered one of the most influential and wealthy people in America. It was no surprise that Frank became involved in John Kennedy's election campaign, whom he considered a friend. The Mafia was also interested in this candidate's victory, not foreseeing what it would lead to later.

Frank Sinatra at the recording studio, early 50s

Sinatra naively believed that Kennedy could change America and put an end to racial discrimination, which he had always opposed. He also very much wanted to become the US ambassador to Italy and triumphantly return to his homeland in that capacity. But everything turned out quite differently than Frank and his patrons had hoped.

Robert Kennedy, the President's younger brother, was appointed Attorney General and declared an uncompromising war on crime, starting to collect a dossier on Sinatra himself to implicate him in Mafia connections. After the inauguration, John Kennedy ignored Frank's invitation and did not visit him, and Sinatra finally realized that he had simply been deceived and used.

Frank Sinatra and Doris Day ('Young at Heart', 1954)

Somehow, Sinatra managed to avoid Mafia retaliation and legal prosecution. He continued to record songs and act in films, and from 1965 onward, he took up directing and producing, making the film "None but the Brave" and producing seven movies, including the highly successful "Robin and the 7 Hoods." But gradually, the era of the "Beatles" and the "Rolling Stones" arrived, against which Sinatra and other artists of his generation seemed rather outdated. The public demanded new idols, and understanding this, in 1971, Frank announced his retirement from the stage.

In 1971, Sinatra ended his musical career

After this, Sinatra released several more solo albums, and in 1979, he performed a new arrangement of the famous song "New York, New York," which from then on became the Christmas anthem of New York and plays in Times Square at midnight every New Year's Eve.

Frank Sinatra – New York, New York (Live At Tokyo, 1985)

In 1993, two final lifetime compilations, "Duets" and "Duets 2," were released, featuring Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, Julio Iglesias, Charles Aznavour, Liza Minnelli, and other world stars. Sinatra took to the stage for the last time on February 25, 1995, unable to refuse the guests of a prestigious golf tournament in Palm Springs.

Frank Sinatra in the last years of his life

Frank Sinatra's Personal Life

Despite his short stature, facial scars, and slender physique, Frank was very popular with women from an early age and reciprocated their affection. His velvety voice made young hearts flutter, and his passionate Italian temperament left beauties with no chance. By fifteen, Frankie was performing in taverns and bars, driving his own car gifted by his loving mother, and had a personal account at a fashion store.

It's no surprise that he was never short of admirers—he even nearly ended up in jail for having an affair with a married woman (at the time, this was considered a criminal offense under American law).

Frank Sinatra arrested for having a relationship with a married woman (1938)

His mother wasn't happy with the situation and found him a bride—a modest, respectable girl from a decent family who became Sinatra's first wife. In February 1939, Frank married Nancy Barbato, and a year later, he became the happy father of a daughter named Nancy, after her mother. Nancy Sinatra Jr. became a singer known for the hit "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'."

In 1944, baby Frank was born, who later became a musician and led his father's orchestra from 1988 to 1995. In 1948, his wife gave Sinatra another daughter, Christina (or Tina for short), who became a significant figure in the American film industry.

Frank Sinatra with his wife and children

But Dolly Sinatra's hopes were not realized—her son never became a model family man and continued to have affairs on the side. As his popularity grew, so did the number of women dreaming of being in his arms. Nancy had no choice but to turn a blind eye to her husband's infidelities for the sake of their children's happiness.

But eventually, even her angelic patience ran out—Frank fell in love with actress Ava Gardner, one of Hollywood's most alluring beauties, and completely lost his head. Their romance was like a raging ocean of passions: the lovers quarreled fiercely, reconciled, and openly displayed their close relationship in public. Numerous joint photos of the star couple appeared in the press, and Nancy, unable to bear the public humiliation, filed for divorce.

In 1951, the marriage was officially dissolved, and Frank immediately married Ava. But once again, a strong, happy family did not materialize—the couple quarreled, were jealous of each other, and tried to drown their emotional suffering in alcohol. Additionally, Frank suddenly lost his voice, jeopardizing his entire career. Sinatra drank even more, fell into a deep depression, and was on the brink of suicide.

Ava supported her husband as best she could during this difficult period, but when Frank returned to the stage, their relationship hit a dead end again. Sinatra returned to his old ways and started having flings on the side, and Gardner, in retaliation, also took a lover, ultimately leading to the dissolution of their marriage after six years of living together.

Despite the breakup, they were able to forgive each other and remained friends for the rest of their lives. When Ava became seriously ill, Frank rushed to her side and paid for all her medical expenses. Sinatra often admitted that despite their complicated relationship, Gardner was the great love of his life.

Sinatra's third wife was actress Mia Farrow, who was thirty years younger than her husband. Their marriage lasted only a year and a half and ended due to his constant infidelity. He still couldn't resist the charms of seductive beauties who flocked to the sound of his magical voice like moths. He was rumored to have had affairs with Marilyn Monroe, Gina Lollobrigida, Lana Turner, Shirley MacLaine, Jacqueline Bisset, and even Grace Kelly, the future princess of Monaco.

Sinatra married for the last time in 1976—his chosen one was former dancer and model Barbara Marx. It was in this marriage that he found peace and harmony—his wife easily endured all his quirks, got along well with friends, relatives, children, and ex-wives, and seemed completely content with life. Gossip suggested that Barbara put up with everything for the inheritance, but regardless, she lived with Sinatra for 22 years until his death.

Barbara Marx, the last wife of Frank Sinatra

The Final Years and Death

A year before his death, on May 14, 1997, the singer received the Congressional Gold Medal—one of the most prestigious awards in the United States, given for outstanding contributions to the country's history and culture. In 1984, Ronald Reagan presented him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom—the highest civilian honor for invaluable contributions to national interests and maintaining the country's reputation in the global community.

Sinatra passed away on May 14, 1998, from a heart attack at the age of 82. Journalists called this day the end of the 20th century, although there were still two years left until the century officially ended. He was buried next to his father and mother at Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City, near Palm Springs. His modest headstone bears the inscription "The Best Is Yet to Come."

Ethel Pate Journalist

Frank Sinatra

Photos: Frank Sinatra

Biography of Frank Sinatra

Childhood and Family

Career Path

Frank Sinatra's Personal Life

The Final Years and Death

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